Example: No deberías hacer leña del árbol caído en esa discusión.
Definition
"Hacer leña del árbol caído" is a Spanish expression meaning to take advantage of someone's misfortune or to criticize someone when they are already in a difficult situation. It implies acting unfairly by attacking or blaming a person who is vulnerable or defeated.
Translations
to kick someone when they're down
natrappen
fer llenya de l'arbre caigut
s'acharner sur quelqu'un
nachtreten
Etymology
The phrase "hacer leña del árbol caído" literally translates to "make firewood from the fallen tree." It originates from the idea that once a tree has fallen, it is easier to chop it into firewood. The expression metaphorically suggests exploiting or worsening someone's already bad situation, similar to the English saying 'kick someone when they're down.'
Learn to use this expression actively
"Hacer leña del árbol caído" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select Spanish as the language you want to learn.
to kick someone when they're down